Happy Birthday!

my beautiful Mother, Dorothy

            Mother, I want to wish you a very Happy Birthday today. I know you say it's just another day, but that's where you're wrong. You are 90 years young today, that's not just any day, that's this day.

Hope you have a very enjoyable time with all the kids and grandkids today. Wish I could have been able to join in the fun. Sending you all my love and hugs and kisses too. You mean the world to me and I hope you are around for many more years to come.

       Love you always and forever,
            You're daughter,
                   Gail
          

Slow cooker soup

I have to admit, I am a lover of potatoes. Any way, any how, I could eat them for most every meal. Dad always said "you got potatoes growing out of your ears." I would always touch my ears to feel for them.  Well Dad, if your looking down on me (and I know you are), you would see that today like many others, I just had to put together this yummy Creamy Potato Soup. I've made lots of potatoe soup in my days, but this recipe I found on Allrecipes.com is definately a keeper. What I really like about it too is that you can through everything in a crock pot and let it cook all day.

 

First you soften up an onion by frying in a pan with bacon bits.

Then you dice up a bunch of potatoes.

Then you put the bacon and onion in the bottom of your slow cooker.

Add the potatoes, chicken broth, water, salt, dill weed, and ground white pepper.

Set your cooker to 6 to 8 hours, then mix all purpose flour with half and half, add to the soup, add evaporated milk and let it all cook together for another 30 minutes

before serving.

Let me tell you, this makes one really yummy soup. I just wish I had made some

corn bread muffins to go along with it.

 

For dessert, I made a double layer German Chocolate cake. I have'nt had one of

these in a very long time.

 

I just love when dinner comes together in a simple way. One pot clean up, too.

 

 

 

Little blessings

My newest additions to the Banty family. One was born on Oct.10, two born Oct 23, the other on the 24th. I still have three mommas sitting on eight more eggs. With the weather cooled off the past few days, I'm thankful to have good mommas who keep taking turns keeping the little ones warm.

They seem to be doing very well so far. They learn how to eat and drink two days after birth. Amazing to me. They even have their feathers pretty fast too. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that I get more hens this time. The last batch had two roosters that I gave away.

While walking back down the path to the house I spotted that the rocks looked weird along the driveway. I thought someone had put some on top of what was there until I zoomed in with my camera lens to see that it was only some quail basking in the sunshine.
Don't you just love nature?

 

 

We have had plenty of rabbits, deer and all kinds of birds, some of which is the first time I've seen them around here. Although we do have one bird, not sure which, that puts out this terrible loud screech all day long. I could do without that one.

With snow on the ground the mice have been showing up inside the coops only to drive my hens crazy. I've trapped a couple of those blessed beasts out of the baby chick area to release outside. Stray cats have found a way into the barn to eat my cats food. They don't seem to mind. What's a few more mouths to feed, right? Guess they don't have taste buds for mice. Hmmmm.

I've only had to haul off one skunk this year. (They sure are pretty) It was a bugger though to get out of the cage to release far away from here. Sure am thankful to have not gotten sprayed.

Just another day in my neck of the woods.

I sure do love the country life. Never a dull moment. Times are good.

blessings,
Gail

Wild, Crazy and Awesome!

Did you watch the freefall from space? This is Felix Baumgartner from Austria. He did a freefall from 24 miles out in space trying to break the record for the speed of sound.

He fell to earth in under 5 minutes and was going 729 miles per hour. Now that's what I call a major rush.

The minute he stepped out of the capsule, I was just saying over and over, "oh my God, oh my God." Can you see earth? What was he thinking?

This is crazy to me. But then again I'm scared to death of heights. But so very exciting to watch such an event in my life time.

Here he is just soaring down through the black atmosphere. I can't even imagine how he's feeling about now.

(Now starting to see earth, hope my shoot opens soon and I can figure out where I'm going to land.)

Safe and happy to be alive.

 All I can say is this guy must have some pretty big _____(shoes)
 Wonder what he'll think of next.
         Sure glad I got to see it.

Recycling and preparing for Winter

With Fall upon us, we have started getting things ready for Winter. The chimney is swept, the gutters cleaned out and extra sealer is to be placed above the roof deck. We recycled a couple sections of a dog kennel we were'nt using, to use instead  for fencing out the deer up near the house. I was hoping for a wood fence but not in the budget.

My greenhouse is nearly complete, we recycled a carport frame to use and an old window and door works just fine. We will roof it in clear panels and put the plastic around the sides in Spring. Put in a couple of recycled pallets for shelving and use the many old plastic pots to start my seedlings in. I have been drying and picking seeds for next years planting.

We are also putting together a small shed to house the lawnmowers and equip. We are using the frame from the canvas tent we picked up for my Civil War reinactments. (I am using wood for that.) Another great way to recycle a metal frame. 

So as you can see, with my days finally slowing down from the many doctor appointments and physical therapy for two months, I can help my hubby get a few things done around here before Winter actually is upon us.

I am sad that I was unable to travel over to Idaho to see my family this year, but my back just would not hold up to that long of a drive right now. So I am to settle in for a long Winter and I hope to get caught up on some sewing projects that I had begun.

What's going on?

It has been some crazy months for me. I have been doing many projects and back to back mini trips for the past couple months. I still have three more trips planned and then I think I will truely be ready for things to slow down.

I have had no luck in the garden this year. Our weather has been so fickle and we have been breathing some heavy smoke for two weeks from fires all around us. My cherry and pear trees did not produce anything this year. My tomatoes are green but we have had a couple nights of frost warnings. Squash never grew past its planting size, onions did not grow big, green  beans were doing nicely  but all of a sudden dried up completely on the vines. Now we have been watching leaves falling from my trees for two weeks as if Fall is here. What is with our weather? It scares the you know what out of me. How am I suppose to grow our own food, pesticide free, organic and be able to put up canning if I can't even grow the stuff? Must I settle for canned fruit and veggies?

Still waiting to get my greenhouse built. Our contractor pooped out on us and has'nt shown back up. Once we get home from our beach trip we will attack doing it ourselves.
I have been very busy sewing a canvas tent to look period Civil War. I have attempted several blouses and dresses in period attire but let me tell you, patterns just are'nt what they use to be as far as trying to understand them. At least that's my excuse. I have done more tearing out of seams than sewing them in, I think.

Soon I will try to share some of my photos. I have missed having the time to visit blogs and sharing with you. Hope your Summer is going better than mine. Tootles.

Civil War Reinacting

This past weekend I enlisted myself into becoming a volunteer of the Cascade Civil War Society of Klamath Falls. I was given a couple of dresses to use until I could make or buy some of my own. My first day I sat and hand sewed the hem on a dress that I had recently made. After completing the dress and a little more research, I found that this dress is not period appropriate even though the pattern says it is of the Civil War era.

So I will be starting on a new one soon as the cost I have found to purchase them are pretty pricey.

It was a really nice weekend but not much of a crowd came out as there was another event going on in town at the same time.

This is Margie's tent which she has graciously offered me half for bunking until I can get a tent of my own. They are not too cheap either but I am hoping to find a used one. She is a Refugee in camp and has all her belongings in a covered wagon. She spins wool and teaches those who want to learn how.

Margie (refugee)

I have a lot to learn about the Civil War era, but hope to become a laundress of the period. I have already begun looking through my many collections of antiques to see what I will be able to use.

Just another something to keep me busy, like I don't have enough already.

I just love old history and being able to teach some of it to others. It is always a nice relaxing time when doing reinacting.

Here are a few of the other ladies I met in our group. We had such a fun time and even sat down for our very own tea party.

I love the beautiful gowns that they are wearing and almost wanted to go that route but decided it would be much easier to use the outhouse without the big hoops. And Lord knows I need to go often enough without needing anything to slow me down. lol

So I choose the lower class, working woman instead. Plus it is more in my line of knowledge.

Well now that the weekend is over and my company has all gone home, I need to start on another dress, period correct, because we will have another reinactment near the end of this month. I just love playing dress up. Besides it is probably the only time you'll catch me wearing a dress.

Williamson iver at Collier Park

This has been one crazy, busy month for me. After rv camping on the river at Collier Park for two days, it was home for a couple hours and off to do Relay for Life.

The river was so inviting but still too cold to swim in. Crystal clear blue water. The sound was heavenly. Good way to unwind before the big event.

After arriving at the high school where Relay for Life was to be held, we put up the tent and all the decorations for our Alice in Wonderland theme, and were in for the long haul.

We began the evening with a bbq dinner put on by Wubba's, a local restaurant. Then to start things out they had the Survivors walk, then there was a frozen Tshirt contest, and then the teams relay began their laps and a local radio station pumped out awesome tunes all through the night. Every song got you up and moving which was a big help as you can well imagine.

Survivors lap

left to right, April, me, MaryGail, Faith, Wendie, Christine, Robin

As you can see, everyone was in character. Thank you Wendie and Christine for coming all the way from California to help our team. I did'nt think I could get Wendie in a dress, but she was a good sport and was our Alice.

Kim (Queen of Hearts), Faith (Mad Hatter)

Faith recruited Kim just two days before Relay and she came dressed as our Queen of Hearts and even got us a sponsor who will pay $5 for every mile each of us walked. How awesome was that? She had tons of energy and motivated and inspired us all.

We had such a good time and hopefully raised a lot of money for the cause. We are already planning next years event and recruiting more girls. We plan to be a little more prepared for next year. We hope to bring a propane heater, hot cocoa, hot coffee and hand warmers as it got downright chilly in the wee morning hours.

This is our booth that we put together with lots of decorations along with

a variety of items for sale. From cupcakes and cookies, to lip balms, chemo caps and body oils. We did very well with our sales.

After the remembrance ceremony and many prayers, hugs and tears, I went to the tent and lay down for a couple of hours. I did'nt sleep much but my body aches went away and I was able to get up and walk a few more laps.

I am grateful to everyone who helped make this event happen and to all those who donated for the cause. For this being my first event since losing my sister and sister-in-law to cancer, to my mom who is a three time survivor of breast cancer, and to our friend Mary, who just became cancer free, I plan to be at each future event as long as I am able.

May some day soon we find a cure for cancer.

Blessings,
Gail

Beach time

Last Sunday I decided it was off to the Oregon coast, even if it was only for a few hours, it was a much needed retreat. We chose Whaleshead beach just above Brookings.

I received the best exfoliation and foot massage and all while enjoying the great ocean sounds and fresh air.

My daughter and I walked around for 3 hours looking for shells and the long lost pirate treasure. Found a few shells and some nice driftwood.

treasure hunting

Although it stayed overcast the entire time, we did enjoy ourselves.
We ate lunch on the beach and listened to the sound of the waves as the tide was coming in.

Found a cave right on the beach in a huge boulder. Of course by this time my camera was up in the car. But I'll share a few pics I did manage to get.



Whaleshead beach

In one area of the shore, the waves coming in sounded like thunder. It was pretty awesome.

Some brave souls.

I totally enjoy the ocean, I'm just one of those who chooses to enjoy it from shore.

We can't wait until we can go back and spend a few days enjoying the sun and sand, but this is one crazy month of company, mini vacations, doctor visits and preparing for Relay for Life.

If you ever find yourself in Oregon, don't miss seeing the beaches. They're spectactular and less than a days drive.

I find myself smiling......

 I find myself smiling

when my Peonies finally open up into big, beautiful flowers.

When my Hens and Chicks are flowering for the first time.

When knowing that the momma delivered her babies safely and I get to see them with their spots.

When looking out the window and spying Mr. Jack eyeing my garden nearby and knowing that he can't get in.

When my mini Pearl walked with me for Bark for Life and smiled at all the people.

(of course she could'nt do it for her picture)

And when I happened upon this.

(I just could'nt help myself)

 May you all be blessed with things that make you smile.

Nice drive

Hubby and I decided to take a drive in my truck to make sure all was running well. We decided to check out Cottonwood Lake which we tried to see a few years back but ran into too much snow on the road to get any further in. It is located about 25 miles from Lakeview and a good five miles up winding roads into the mountains.

Cottonwood Lake

It was so nice and peaceful back in here. I would come back and tent camp but would not want to bring my trailer here as the spaces are way too narrow for my comfort. Look how nice and calm it is.

It was too shallow for large motor boats. Looks as though only canoes and electric motors were being used. Not a lot of people, but very peaceful place.

From here we headed back towards home and I decided to check out a picnic area along the Sprague river which we have passed many times and not stopped at. It was straight down a real winding, narrow road (no trailers allowed) along the canyon wall. But only a few miles from the highway. One would never have known how pretty it is back here without driving in and checking it out.



This was a parking area next to the river. There were horseshoe pits, a large picnic area with firepit and bbq pits. It has a net set up for playing volley ball or badmitton. There were several picnic tables set out and about along the river too.  A nice place to come and spend a leisurely afternoon. 

Sprague river

great swimming hole





I'm thinking how nice it would be to climb in and get wet. Next time I'm bringing swimming clothes and lunch. I think I may even bring the dogs. I'm sure they would love a dip in the cool water.


Just a few hours away from phones and tv and my mind feels a little less conjested. I really should do this more often. Either that or hubby needs to go back to work. (smiling)